Norman F. Penner

Mennonite Genealogy with Michael Penner

Norman F. Penner (1915-1986)

Obituary from The Messenger, Vol.24 No.20 Oct 3, 1986

Norman F. Penner

1915-1986

Norman Penner was born January 3, 1915 at Landmark, to Peter and Mary Penner. He enjoyed a happy childhood, growing up on the family farm. His adventuresome spirit and great energy found natural outlets on the farm but especially in the woods that dominated the landscape of the Landmark (Prairie Rose, as it was then called) area. Trapping, hunting, exploring and playing, either alone or with his brothers filled the spare hours of his youth. After the early and sudden death of his father in 1936, Norman and his brother Archie had to assume more responsibilities on the farm. In 1936 he joined his brothers. Abe and Walter in setting up their first sawmill in eastern Manitoba, beginning anew chapter in his life. To his natural love for the outdoors and woods was added a passion for logging and lumbering. For the next approximately 35 years most winters would find him somewhere in Manitoba sawing lumber. In 1947 the brothers again combined their efforts, this time in a major lumbering operation near Mafeking.

During those years significant events also occurred in his personal life. In 1937, at the age of 22, after listening to a message by Ben D. Reimer, he repented of his sin, was converted and made Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. His life changed dramatically and he soon found ways to express his commitment. He supported the efforts of his sister Caroline and brother-in-law Henry S. Reimer in starting a mission north of Landmark on Dawson Road. He also joined his brother Archie and brother-in-law Ben D. Reimer in attending the Winnipeg Bible Institute for one winter in the late thirties. He was baptized and joined the Kleine Gemeinde Church in Prairie Rose, now the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Landmark.

On September 15, 1944 he married Gladys Swanson. They built a house and began farming together two miles north of Landmark on land which he himself had cleared. Their early years together were often not easy. Operating a farm in summer and a sawmill in winter meant much hard work, but they persevered, and God's grace was sufficient to meet the challenge. Joy was added to their lives by the birth of two sons, Lloyd in 1946 and Wayne in 1950. In later years a foster daughter, Rollande, came to live with the family.

We grew up in a loving and nurturing atmosphere where the Bible, Jesus Christ, and the spreading of God's Kingdom were normal and natural topics of everyday conversation and activity. Dad and Mom found many practical ways to express their commitment to the Gospel. Perhaps most notable and visible were their efforts, along with Uncle Henry S. Reimer and Aunt Caroline, in starting Sunday schools at Rosewood and Prairie Grove (the latter has since developed into a church) .They gave themselves unreservedly to this work for almost twenty years. Dad never saw himself as the 'up-front,' visible leader but was happy to work behind the scenes, picking up children, taking attendance, setting up chairs, visiting with the adults and supporting Mom in every way he could.

The 1950s also saw Dad and Uncle Walter set up a new lumbering operation at Loon Straits on Lake Winnipeg. Over the years Dad made many friends through his involvements with the 'bush.' Anybody who knew him during these years saw a man with an enormous capacity for physical work; very few could keep up with him.

About 15 years ago God laid his hands on Dad's life in several new, unmistakeable ways. The effects were visible immediately and grew in importance as time went by. He began to relax his pace and enjoy everyday life more. He continued to love the outdoors but narrowed his working life to the farm. He gave land and generous financial help to his children and expanded his giving to the needy and missions. Mom and Dad grew ever closer and were inseparable companions. He loved nothing better than going out with Mom for coffee or taking his children and grandchildren out on an excursion or for a meal.

We spent many enjoyable days working with Dad on the farm and conversing on topics of mutual concern. Dad was particularly interested in world affairs and how they related to Christians and the church. In recent years he often expressed his concern about the growing militarism and materialism of our age and their effect on the church. He was especially alarmed at the increasing tendency in some circles to minimize the doctrine of non-resistance and separate it from the core of the Gospel.

Dad enjoyed being a traditional, self-sufficient farmer, living a simple lifestyle, close to the soil, and eating his food in the most natural form possible. He loved developing practical mechanical inventions and finding creative solutions to everyday farming problems in his own distinctive way. He had special interest in and patience with his grandchildren and they in turn loved and appreciated him very much. Dad's greatest concern was for the spiritual welfare of his family.

He lived a vigorous, healthy life till the day of his passing. He spent his last hours with some family members and Mom before passing away suddenly with a heart attack on Monday evening, September 1. 1986. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his sisters, Caroline and Tina, and brother Dave. He leaves to mourn his wife Gladys; two sons, Lloyd of Winnipeg and Wayne of Courtenay, B.C.; foster daughter Rollande of Landmark; ten grandchildren; brothers Abe and Walter of Landmark and Archie of Kola, Man.; two sisters, Ruby of Landmark and Hazel of Edmonton: as well as many nephews, nieces, in-laws and friends. We look forward to a joyous reunion in heaven. ■

Back to Children of Peter M. Penner.